mode : Java Glossary

For example, in a word processor, commands behave differenty when in insert and
overstrike mode. In a modeless program, commands always do
the same thing. Modes tend to be confusing to the user, so it is best to avoid them
as much as possible. The term modeless may erroneously be
used to describe a non-modal dialog, one that does not lock
you into dealing only with it.